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Parent Corner | January 21, 2018

Jesus’ death and resurrection should not have surprised the disciples. Sometimes Jesus spoke metaphorically about His death and resurrection (See Matt. 12:39; Mark 14:58; John 2:19; 3:14-15). Other times, Jesus plainly told the disciples that He would be betrayed, crucified, buried, and resurrected on the third day (Matt. 17:12; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22). In fact, Jesus had spoken so frequently of His death and resurrection, the chief priests and Pharisees asked Pilate to place guards at the tomb in case the disciples stole Jesus’ body (See Matt. 27:62-66)

On resurrection morning, the angel at Jesus’ tomb asked the women, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5). Even when Peter and John ran to the empty tomb to see it for themselves, Peter was amazed but uncertain (Luke 24:12), while John believed (John 20:8).

That same day, two disciples were walking to Emmaus, arguing about recent events. Jesus began walking next to them, but God prevented them from recognizing Him (Luke 24:16). Jesus simply asked them what they were arguing about. They stopped walking. How could He not have heard about what happened over the last three days?

The two disciples had hoped Jesus was the Redeemer of Israel. Their hopes were crushed when Jesus died. Now Jesus explained to them why the Messiah had to die, starting with Moses and the Prophets. Jesus showed how the Scriptures point to Him (Luke 24:27; John 5:39).

Remind your kids that the Bible is not a collection of unrelated stories.

God Bless,

David FeiserFamily Ministry Director

Family Starting Points

Scripture Memory:Psalm 63:1-4 (Look up Seeds of Praise “Better Than Life” on Spotify or Apple Music to play in your car during the week)

Big Picture Question:Why did Jesus die on the cross? (Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins, and He is alive today.

Bible Story: The Emmaus Disciples (Luke 24:13-35)

Jesus joined two of His friends as they walked and talked.

Jesus taught that all the Scriptures point to Him.

The friends went to tell the others that Jesus is alive.

Family Discussion Starters:

Why do you think God kept the friends from recognizing Jesus?

Why were the friends sad before Jesus started talking with them?

Whom can you tell that Jesus is alive?

Family Activity:

Help each child make a book cover for his Bible using a paper bag. Find directions online. Invite children to draw a picture of Jesus on their cover.

Read an Old Testament Bible story as a family. Discuss how the story points to Jesus.